Stuart Ayres med rel: New recruits join Fire & Rescue NSW ranks

After a long selection process and a gruelling 13 week course, 24 recruit firefighters will today officially be welcomed into the ranks of Fire & Rescue NSW (FRNSW).

Minister for Police and Emergency Services Stuart Ayres congratulated the new recruits on successfully completing the course and said they were about to embark on a unique and rewarding career.

“The recruits have been trained in firefighting, road accident rescue, high-angle rescue, community risk management, fire science and hazardous materials response,” Mr Ayres said.

“They will join fire crews across greater Sydney and put that training to good use.

“As someone who calls Western Sydney home, I am particularly pleased to see more than half of the graduates taking up positions in fire stations in Sydney’s growing western suburbs.’

“I wish the graduating class well in what is an important, but sometimes dangerous, career and I thank them for choosing a profession dedicated to protecting lives, property and the environment of NSW.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Police and Emergency Services Niall Blair, himself a former firefighter, attended the graduation ceremony at the FRNSW State Training College in Alexandria.

He said the recruits had been selected from thousands of men and women who applied for firefighting positions last year.

“We want communities throughout NSW to be served by a modern and dynamic firefighting workforce that reflects the diversity, culture and skills of society,” Mr Blair said.

FRNSW Commissioner Greg Mullins also welcomed the recruits.

“I know that this latest batch of recruits will uphold the high standards of integrity, courage and professionalism expected of a FRNSW firefighter,” Commissioner Mullins added.

Commissioner Mullins also presented a Unit Commendation for Meritorious Service to the Mosman firefighters who, in extremely hazardous circumstances, treated a badly burnt victim and commenced firefighting operations at a petrol tanker fire at Mona Vale last October.